Hyundai’s completely redesigned compact SUV grows larger and moves upscale
What’s New For 2024
Hyundai redesigned Kona for the 2024 model year, separating it a bit further from their entry level SUV, the Venue. Starting at $24,450 (plus a mandatory $1,450 destination fee) for the front-wheel drive SE model, this continues to be one of the more affordable subcompact utility vehicles on the market today. As is the case with most other Hyundai models, the base Kona comes with a few standard features to differentiate it from competitors including a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay, and a proximity key with pushbutton start. By the time you level up to my Limited AWD test car, the price balloons to $34,695. Not unreasonable for the added content, but still a healthy sum of money for what is ostenibly an entry-level vehicle.
Exterior Design
When it debuted in 2018, Kona was well received by consumers and the press, winning the 2019 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year award. Praised for its style as much as anything, Kona’s designers had a high bar to cross in this refresh. Overall, it’s a successful effort. The 2024 Kona is 5.7 inches longer, 1 inch wider, and 2.4 inches taller than the car it replaces making it feel more like a true CUV than a hatchback.
Styling for the 2024 Kona was greatly influenced by the Ioniq5 and the fact that this compact utility vehicle was designed to be an EV first. You see it in the front fascia with its slim auxiliary lighting across the top and the headlamps that help emphasize the car’s wider stance. From the side, Kona sports crisp lines that bring it into the overall Hyundai family. The 19-inch wheels on the Kona Limited fill the openings nicely, but the overlarge plastic cladding feels a bit much for a car that won’t see much off road use if any. Overall, it’s a solid design that sets itself apart from the Corolla Cross, HR-V, and the other mini-utes on the road today.
Interior Design
In addition to being roomier, thanks to its larger overall dimensions, the Kona now features many elements found in other Hyundais including the Sonata, Ioniq5, and Elantra. Most obvious is the digital instruments panel which extends all the way to the 12.3-inch center touchscreen, mimicking one continuous wide screen. The SE and SEL models equipped with a CVT have a mechanical shift lever between the seats. In Limited and N-Line trim, the lever for the shift-by-wire system is mounted on the column behind the steering wheel. A simple twist clockwise puts you in drive. Turn it counterclockwise and you’re in reverse. Push the button at the end of the stalk to park it.
Like most CUVs, however, compromises must be made. The materials are as you would expect for a car at this price point. Nice enough, but not very impressive. Rear seat leg room only comes if the folks in the front seat are willing to share. Overall, it does have an open feel thanks to the expansive glass, low dash, and horizontal lines that emphasize the car’s width.
Power & Performance
One of the highlights of the Kona in its Limited and N-Line trims is the 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. This little powerplant is satisfyingly peppy. While you won’t confuse this for a GTI, the Kona Limited makes a healthy 190 horsepower and and 195 lb.-ft. of torque which propels this little hatchback to sixty miles an hour in 7.5 seconds. This is a couple of tenths slower than the previous generation car mostly due to a switch from a 7-speed DCT to an 8-speed automatic and it has some reviewers howling. My guess is most people won’t notice, especially since the new transmission is significantly smoother and more sophisticated. In the real world this is a great set up for accelerating from dead stops, merging from entrance ramps, and passing slower cars on those lonely two-lane roads.
If you go for the base 2.0-liter powertrain which only makes 147 horsepower, be prepared to be underwhelmed. The performance is lethargic. But if price is more important than performance, it makes the Kona a solid alternative to an entry level Trax, Corolla Cross, and Subaru Crosstrek, which aren’t significantly quicker in their base trim.
Ride & Handling
Handling is nimble and predictable thanks to a solid platform and sophisticated suspension. The lengthened wheelbase and wider track provide for a more stable stance, but still allow for crisp road manners. Equipped with optional 19-inch tires, the ride is comfortable, but as with most small cars, you feel every bump and crack in the pavement. Road noise is also present and the engine can get buzzy when you wind it up. Hyundai’s HTRAC all-wheel drive system will come in handy on snowier days and works by distributing power between the front and rear wheels based on sensor inputs.
On my 50-mile handling loop, which includes stretches of freeway, I was able to put Hyundai’s driver assist technologies to the test. The adaptive cruise, lane centering and other features work as advertised, creating a comfortable and relaxed environment. On the winding back roads, it handled the curves with confidence, but occasionally would get a little upset by the broken pavement that seems all too prevalent in my little corner of the world these day. If you’re looking for a sporty hatch that provides a rewarding driving experience, you can get a base Golf GTI for about the same money as the Kona Limited and you’ll be much happier.
Summary
The Hyundai Kona is a solid option in a crowded category filled with really good vehicles. It’s nimble, efficient, packed with features, and reasonably fun to drive. It does everything well, but isn’t outstanding along any dimension. One key benefit of buying a Hyundai is their class-leading warranty which includes 10-years on the powertrain and routine maintenance for your first two years. It is also an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ which makes it one of the safest vehicles in the category. If you’re shopping for a subcompact SUV, we recommend you put the Kona on your shopping list.
